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Research

NIEHS research uses state-of-the-art science and technology to investigate the interplay between environmental exposures, human biology, genetics, and common diseases to help prevent disease and improve human health.

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Research Highlights

The vision of the NIEHS is to use environmental health sciences to understand human disease and improve human health. Use the search box to see research highlights from NIEHS scientists since its founding in 1966.

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The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) is expanding and accelerating its contributions to scientific knowledge of human health and the environment, and to the health and well-being of people everywhere.

Research Summary

The Developmental and Reproductive Toxicology Group, headed by Barry McIntyre, Ph.D., D.A.B.T., characterizes the developmental and reproductive toxicity potential of chemicals, herbals, and pharmaceuticals nominated to the NTP for assessment. The group also serves as internal consultants on NTP study design teams, as well as providing perspective relating to reproductive and developmental toxicants to regulatory agencies and the public.

Major Areas of Research

Utilization of the in vivo study designs (Reproductive Assessment by Continuous Breeding and the Modified One-Generation) to identify reproductive and developmental toxicants. The RACB design is a robust fertility evaluation that goes beyond typical two-generational studies, while the MOG goes makes greater use of F1 offspring for evaluating potential reproductive, developmental, neuro, immune, as well as general toxicities.

Initiate and coordinate research projects that investigate the mechanisms underlying chemical-mediated reproductive and developmental toxicity.

Development and refinement of novel assays that identify potential reproductive and developmental toxicants.

Current Projects

Reproductive and developmental assessments of some:

Herbal products

Sunscreens

Chemicals

Flame retardants

Metals

Characterizing the potential long-term effects of the sickle cell drug hydroxyurea on male and female reproduction at different life-stages.

Evaluating Mixtures: Examining how pharmaceuticals and environmental agents can affect the normal developmental pathways and subsequently result in unexpected adverse outcomes.

Barry McIntyre, Ph.D., DABT, a reproductive and developmental toxicologist, leads the Developmental and Reproductive Toxicology Group within the Toxicology Branch of the National Toxicology (NTP) Division. Before joining the Toxicology Branch, he led the US- reproductive and developmental toxicology group at the Schering-Plough Research Institute (now Merck). His group was responsible for conducting non-clinical studies that characterized the potential adverse effects of novel drugs and biologics on development and fertility.

After earning his Ph.D. in Pharmacology/Toxicology from Washington State University in 1997, McIntyre was an NIEHS National Research Service Award Postdoctoral Fellow at the Chemical Industry Institute of Toxicology.